The use of painted canvas floorcoverings, also known as “oyl cloths” dates as far back as the 14th century in Europe. When people came to this country they were looking for ways to reproduce some of the furnishings they were used to back home.

Resources were limited, but worn sails from ships provided them with a base to paint and cover the floor with.American primitive paintings often depict subjects standing on boldly geometric floorcloths; William Burnet, Governor of New York and Massachusetts during Colonial times, had floorcloths listed in his household inventory; and later, George Washington ordered floorcloths for his Mt. Vernon retirement home. Canvas was more readily available than other rug and carpet supplies, and the ease of cleaning made floorcloths particularly desirable. Placed over wide boards, the heavily painted canvas cut cold drafts from below, and were cool underfoot in summer.

Over time floorcloths proved themselves to be one of the most durable forms of floorcovering used. Centuries-old pieces still remain intact, with the pattern clearly visible.

Although few

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Painting

records remain of the oldest floorcloths, they are shown in many paintings from the 1700s and beyond , such as this Tumbling Blocks (left) and this stencilled design (above).

Today, Canvasworks floorcloths are made from the same 100% cotton heavyweight canvas (with a sewn hem and mitered corners). Environmentally-safe, water-based paints and finishes are used in place of yellowing varnishes and slow-drying paints of years ago. Each Canvasworks floorcloth is put through a series of steps to ensure a finished piece which will lie flat and maintain its shape, colors and finish for years to come.

With 5 coats of extremely durable (yet still flexible) polyurethane protecting each painted piece, Canvasworks’ floorcloths will stand up to the most demanding traffic- from children to dogs, heavy furniture to sloppy eaters. Just damp mop.

Carwitham 5 Design

Click here for a sampling of the most popular Canvasworks floorcloth designs, from historical reproductions to modern geometrics.or intricate stamped and stenciled patterns. Customized pieces or variations of popular designs are also commonly requested. Call the studio to discuss your specific floorcloth needs.

Carwitham 12 (click for info)

There’s a really good article about floorcloths published in Early American Life Magazine in 2007. Read it here.

“These carpets possess a decided advantage over all others, as they are more durable, and in warm weather much more comfortable, and easier to keep clean, and in hot climates the only kind that are not subject to injury from insects; in winter they may be covered with other carpeting without damage, and the room is kept warmer …”